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Santa Maria di Montauro Sanctuary: A Journey through Faith, History, and Nature

Nestled in the heart of Basilicata, in an oasis of peace and spirituality, stands the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Montauro, a place that enchants visitors with its thousand-year history, its simple yet evocative architecture, and the profound sense of devotion it emanates.

A Simple Architecture, A Profound Soul

The exterior of the church appears sober and linear. The façade, topped by a bell gable, stands out for its simplicity, with an entrance door surmounted by a quarterfoil window. Inside, the single nave, punctuated by pillars, guides the gaze towards the altar, made of painted stone at the beginning of the 20th century. The niche housing the statue of the Virgin is adorned with an elliptical tympanum and an epigraph testifying to the renovation works of the sanctuary in 1863: «A DIVOTIONE DI / ANTONIO / GALANTE FECIT MARIANO PESCE NEL 1863».

The Statue of the Madonna: An Artistic and Spiritual Treasure

The heart of the sanctuary is represented by the wooden statue of the Virgin, dating back to the 16th century. The Madonna, seated on a throne, wears a silver tunic and a bronze mantle. With her left hand, she holds the Child Jesus, who is blessing with his right hand. In 1955, artisans from Ortisei renewed the faces and repainted the Virgin’s robe, preserving the beauty and spiritual value of the work.

An Ancient Sanctuary, A Deep-Rooted Devotion

The origins of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Montauro are lost in the mists of time. A “platea” (inventory) of the church of S. Maria Assunta from 1729 already attests to its existence, confirming its antiquity and deep connection with the local community. In the past, the sanctuary was under the patronage of the “università” (local authority), which took care of its maintenance and promoted its worship.

According to the “platea” of 1729: «Nearby in the same nave is another altar under the title of St. Roch, in which are the statue of said glorious saint, of the glorious St. Vitus, and that of the glorious St. Sebastian, and above is a statue of the Most Blessed Virgin. In the past, it has been lacking in furnishings, but nowadays the “università” keeps the statue of the Most Blessed Virgin of Montebuono, or Monteaureo, stored in the same altar during the wintertime, and has the care of maintaining it…» This historical passage reveals the importance of the sanctuary as a place of refuge and protection, especially during the winter months.

Patron Saints: St. Roch, St. Vitus, and St. Sebastian

In addition to the Virgin Mary, the sanctuary houses statues of St. Roch, St. Vitus, and St. Sebastian, saints invoked for protection from diseases and natural calamities. Their presence testifies to the deep popular faith and the search for comfort and hope in difficult times.

• St. Roch: Pilgrim and miracle-worker, protector against plague victims. His figure reminds us of the importance of charity and care for the most needy.
• St. Vitus: Young martyr, invoked against epilepsy and nervous diseases. A symbol of courage and unwavering faith.
• St. Sebastian: Roman soldier martyred for his faith, protector of soldiers and athletes. An icon of strength and spiritual resistance.

statue st roch example

An Experience of Faith and Discovery

Visiting the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Montauro means immersing oneself in an atmosphere of deep spirituality, admiring a valuable artistic heritage, and discovering the roots of popular faith. But not only that. The sanctuary also offers the opportunity to experience contact with nature through hikes and walks in the surrounding woods. It is said that in ancient times, near the sanctuary, there were hidden caves and paths used by pilgrims to reach the sacred place. Set out to discover these ancient routes, listening to the stories and legends of the place, for an unforgettable adventure.

Useful Information for the Visit

Although there are currently no ex-votos present, it is advisable to contact local authorities to obtain additional information on opening hours and religious holidays.